E21

Long Drain (Water Not Draining in Time)

Home Appliance Error Codes Frigidaire Washing machines

Can you still use it? With care until repaired

Who can fix it? You can fix it yourself

Typical repair time 15 minutes – 1.5 hours

Typical cost SAR 50 to 500

What it means

This code appears on Frigidaire front-load washing machines built on the Electrolux North America platform and means water was not drained from the drum within the allowed time. The program stops with water left in the drum, most often because of the drain pump filter or the drain hose. The same number can mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: Frigidaire front-load washing machines (Electrolux North America platform).

Symptoms4

E21 shows and water stays in the drum.
The spin does not start and laundry comes out wet.
The door stays locked until the water level drops.
The pump hums or makes no sound.

Possible causes5

A drain pump filter blocked with lint, coins or small objects.
A kinked or blocked drain hose.
A blocked drain outlet, or the hose end pushed too deep into it.
An object stuck in the pump impeller.
A faulty drain pump or pump connection.

How to diagnose5

Unplug the washer and wait for the water to cool after hot programs.
Open the pump filter cover at the bottom front, place a tray and towels, drain through the emergency hose if fitted, then remove and clean the filter.
Check the drain hose and the drain outlet.
Make sure the hose end is not pushed too deep into the standpipe and is fixed as the installation guide requires.
If the fault remains, a technician unplugs the washer before opening it and checks the pump and its connection.

How to fix5

Clean the pump filter and refit it firmly.
Straighten the drain hose and clear the drain outlet.
Empty pockets before washing.
Have the technician replace the drain pump if confirmed faulty.
Run a rinse and spin program and confirm full draining and no returning code.

Repair cost

0–200

200–600

600–1,500

1,500+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Cleaning fixes most cases at little cost; the highest cost is a new drain pump.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Where is the pump filter on a Frigidaire front-loader?

Usually behind a small cover at the bottom front; the user manual shows its location and how to open it on your model. Unplug the washer and prepare a tray first.

Is Frigidaire E21 linked to the Electrolux E20 family?

Both washers share a platform and their 20-series codes relate to draining, but always check the code against your own washer manual.

Is pushing the drain hose deep into the standpipe a problem?

Yes. It can cause siphoning or blockage, so fix the end at the depth and height the installation guide specifies.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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